S’Lone stepped off shuttle and onto the deck of his first official assignment Starbase Bravo; a newly minted Ensign.  A 60 year old Ensign to boot.  He absentmindedly ran his fingers through his rust-colored hair then slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and took off at a fair clip toward the interior decks.  It was traditional for a new officer to report to the CO and S’Lone did not want to break any traditions this early.  He grinned.  He stopped by a display and queried the shortest path to the CO’s office.

It had been a long 24 hours.  Just 23 hours ago was in formation at his commissioning and graduating ceremony on the Parade grounds of the Academy.  He felt…regret.  He knew his ri’nanov <Mother> came in from Betazed just to attend the ceremony and he did not seek her out after the conclusion.  Even after 45 years he still felt white hot anger over the betrayal that led ultimately to his di’ranov <Father> eri’hfirh T’unen’s execution.  S’Lone still blamed his ri’nanov; she could have done more at the trial. S’Lone took a deep breath the let it out slowly. His face felt flushed.

After 5 minutes he found himself outside of the CO’s office ready to start on his new adventure.